Meet the City of Iqaluit byelection candidates

Six candidates are running for two spots in the City of Iqaluit byelection on April 10.

The spots were left vacant after two councillors, Gideonie Joamie and Megan Pizzo Lyall, resigned.

To be eligible to run, candidates must be a Canadian citizen, at least 18 years old, and a resident of Iqaluit for the past 12 months.

The candidates organized their own debate on Thursday evening, to demonstrate why they deserve a spot on the eight-member council.

They also shared their qualifications and priorities with CBC.

Dushyenth Ganesan

Time in Iqaluit: With a background in economic development, Ganesan has worked for the Government of Nunavut since he moved to the city 17 years ago.

Main issues: Ganesan wants to manage the deficit, build up infrastructure through partnerships with Inuit organizations and the federal and territorial governments, increase access to home care, and accessibility in the city.

Stephen Leyden

Time in Iqaluit: Having worked in the North in the telecommunications industry since 2004, Leyden chose to settle in Iqaluit. He is starting his fourth year as president of the Iqaluit Community Greenhouse Society.

Main issues: Leyden wants waste management to be a priority if he gets elected to council and he also wants to see housing shortage concerns addressed.

Jean-Luc Nevin

Time in Iqaluit: Nevin has lived in the Qikiqtaaluk region all his life and wants to bring his youth perspective to local politics.

Main issues: Nevin's main concerns are pedestrian safety and food security. He feels that the city has the resources to ensure the small population has access to three meals a day and he believes that should be a priority for the city.

Noah Papatsie

Time in Iqaluit: Papatsie is a former city councilor who has lived in Iqaluit all his life.

Main issues: Pataptsie says it's important for both the council and the community to work together. If elected, his main concern would be paying down the deficit.

Kyle Sheppard

Time in Iqaluit: Working in Nunavut for 14 years, Sheppard briefly served on Rankin Inlet's city council, before moving to Iqaluit.

Main issues: Sheppard's main concern for the city is housing. If elected to council, he wants to see new ideas implemented to develop land for potential homeowners and to address homelessness in the city.

Sutheat Tim

Time in Iqaluit: Tim works as a lawyer for the Government of Nunavut, but has also trained as an accountant.

Main issues: If elected, Tim's main focus would be removing financial redundancies from the administration without cutting services. As an example, he suggests hiring a full-time lawyer instead of relying on part time legal services out of Edmonton.